Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 982

Bill Title: Unemployment Insurance - Payment of Benefits - Total Benefit Amount

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Astle

Subject: Unemployment Insurance

Committee: SRU

Bill Summary: This bill alters the total benefit amount payable to an individual eligible for unemployment insurance benefits under State law; requiring the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation to adopt regulations; etc.

History: None

Chamber Position: Support

Position Summary: Right now, all employees get 26 weeks of the total benefit amount. This bill says that the claimant will either get the 26 weeks OR 25% of the claimants base period wages – whichever is less. There should be an alternative to fixed duration, which would more accurately appropriate benefits to claimants, based on their attachment to workforce. This bill provides, such an alternative.

For this reason, the Maryland Chambers supports this bill.

Position Statement: Click here to download a pdf version of the Maryland Chamber's position statement.

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.